Schedule of Events
Here is a PRELIMINARY Schedule of Events. Please note that all activities and events are tentative and subject to change or cancellation. A more finalized schedule will be available in the spring.
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Friday, September 18
CLIMB THE HILL Youth Advocacy Day
Children and young adults will visit Congressional offices in groups led by a Youth Leader.
This is an all-day event.
Hosted by Kids V Cancer
Contact Jenn@kidsvcancer.org if you are interested in future Climb the Hill events.
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Family Welcome Night
An informal gathering for the childhood cancer community, as a way to kick off the weekend. The event features a DJ, a sign making station for the Rally to the Capitol which takes place on Saturday, kids activities, bereavement support and more.
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Freedom Plaza
Hosted by CureFest
The CureFest Collective
Social event exclusively for fighters, survivors and siblings, ages 13 - 29 years old, to connect with each other and to share their stories and experiences.​
Estimated time: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Location to be determined
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Hosted by CureFest
Saturday, September 19
CureFest Tribute Wall Display
Each year, CureFest features tribute walls honoring childhood cancer fighter, survivors and angels.
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The Tribute Walls will be on display at Freedom Plaza from Friday, September 18 at 4:00 pm to Saturday, September 19 at 9:00 pm.
Hosted by CureFest
State of Sarcoma
The State of Sarcoma connects sarcoma-affected families with leading researchers for open, accessible conversations about research, treatment, and advocacy, aiming to make science more understandable and empower families to push for better, less toxic therapies for kids with rare sarcomas like rhabdomyosarcoma
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Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.​​
Hosted by Rhabdo Coalition
Childhood Cancer Fighter Connection
A wellness workshop designed specifically for childhood cancer fighters who are in active treatment. This engaging session offers children and teens a chance to connect with peers who understand their unique experience, participate in meaningful activities
that support healthy coping and self-expression, and enjoy time in a space designed just for them.
For ages 5-17
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Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.​​
Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative
Childhood Cancer Survivor Connection
A wellness workshop designed specifically for survivors of childhood cancer. This engaging session offers children and teens a chance to connect with peers who
understand their unique experience, participate in meaningful activities that support healthy coping and self-expression, and enjoy time in a space designed just for them.
For ages 5-17
Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.
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Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive"initiative
Fighter/Survivor Sibling Connection
​A wellness workshop designed specifically for siblings of childhood cancer fighters or survivors. This engaging session offers children and teens a chance to connect with peers who understand their unique experience, participate in meaningful activities that support healthy coping and self-expression, and enjoy time in a space designed just for them.
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Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.​​
Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative
Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative
CureFest Tribute Wall Display
Each year, CureFest features tribute walls honoring childhood cancer fighter, survivors and angels.
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The Tribute Walls will be on display at Freedom Plaza from Friday, September 18 at 4:00 pm to Saturday, September 19 at 9:00 pm.
Hosted by CureFest
30s and Beyond: Survivor Peer Support Session
A wellness session, specifically for childhood cancer survivors age 30 and older, offering the opportunity to connect with one another, share resources, and receive peer support through discussions and activities.
For ages 30+
Hosted by Forever Fighters.
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Pre-registration is required. Spots are limited. Will add
a waiting list, as necessary.
Questions? Please contact Forever Fighters at generalinfo@foreverfighters.com.
Bereaved Sibling Workshop
For siblings of a child lost to cancer, we invite them to join other bereaved siblings for a special workshop focused on sharing and understanding. Led by a Pediatric Oncology RN experienced in helping children manage grief, this session offers age-appropriate activities and a safe space for support and understanding.
For ages 5 - 16
Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.
Hosted by 1Voice Foundation and Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation
Pre-registration is required. Spots are limited.
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Bereaved Dad Support
If you lost your child to childhood cancer, we invite you to join other bereaved fathers for a supportive, peer-led gathering focused on shared experiences and understanding. Facilitated by 1Voice Foundation, this session provides a secure environment for camaraderie and mutual respect and strength.
Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.
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Hosted by 1Voice Foundation and Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation
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Bereaved Mom Support
If you lost your child to childhood cancer, we invite you to join other bereaved mothers for a compassionate, peer-supported gathering dedicated to sharing and healing together. Facilitated by 1Voice Foundation, this session offers a space for bonding and fellowship.
Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.
Pre-registration is required. Spots are limited.
Hosted by 1Voice Foundation and Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation
For Siblings, By Siblings
A wellness session specifically for siblings of childhood cancer fighters, survivors and angels. The session will give siblings an opportunity to connect with one another, share resources, and receive peer support through discussions and activities.
For ages 17 – 29
Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel
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Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative
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Pre-registration is required. Spots are limited.
Faith and Loss
A session lead by Pastor Alan Disbrow - Bereaved Dad and Grandfather
Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.​​
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Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation
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Pre-registration is required. Spots are limited.
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Young Adult: Fighter/Survivor Connection
A wellness session specifically for young adult childhood cancer fighters and survivors, which will give folks an opportunity to connect with one another, share resources, and receive peer support through discussions and activities.
For ages 18 – 29
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Held inside the JW Marriott Hotel.
Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation, part of "Thrive" initiative
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Pre-registration is required. Spots are limited.
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Rally to the Capitol
Family-friendly awareness and advocacy rally to the United States Capitol. To ensure a smooth start, we ask that you arrive by 12:45 p.m. on the National Mall, near the Smithsonian Castle. The Rally will begin at 1 p.m. from previous site of the Smithsonian Carousel. Map. Participants then march, as a group, toward the Capitol.
Hosted by CureFest and the Rally Foundation
Meet and Greet
​Informal gathering of childhood cancer families and advocates. The event features sponsor tents, foundation tables, bereavement support, kids activities, face painting and more.
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Freedom Plaza
Hosted by CureFest
Night of Golden Lights​
​Speeches and performances by sponsors, members of the childhood cancer community, advocates and the medical community.
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Freedom Plaza
Hosted by CureFest
Candlelight Vigil
​A powerful vigil honoring individuals and families impacted by childhood cancer.
9:00 pm to 9:30 pm at Freedom Plaza
Hosted by CureFest
Sunday, September 20
Hope and Healing Worship Service
Music by Sydney Sherwood and a Message of Hope from Pastor Alan Disbrow.
9:00 am – 10:00 am inside the JW Marriott
No RSVP necessary.
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Hosted by Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation
Festival
Speeches, musical performances, and dance tributes. On site, there is also bereavement support as well as kids activities with face painting, crafts and games.
11:00 am – 12:30 pm at the Sylvan Theater, an outdoor amphitheater, near the Washington Monument
Hosted by CureFest
Childhood Cancer Shoe Memorial Ceremony
12:30 pm on the Washington Monument grounds
Hosted by CureFest and the 1Voice Foundation
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